Originally Posted by
militarymoron
I've tried using a shotshell bandoleer and while it looked cool (as it does in the movies), it didn't function well for me. I had the nylon type with elastic loops on the front and back, and carried shells with the brass end down. The problem starts once you start extracting shells. Of course, I couldn't access the ones in the back, and they also interfered with my sling. When I started pulling shells near the bottom and front, the weight of the shells in the bandoleer would start pulling it down, as it'd want to 'self correct' and rotate so the empty loops would be on top. Sometimes I'd pull and since the bandoleer wasn't tight or secured, I'd fight the elastic loop. It wasn't like extracting a mag from a mag pouch. Also, it was never consistent where I'd get the shells from - kind of wherever I could grab a hold of one.
I'd go with a dump pouch with stiff opening if worn on the belt, or a small shoulder bag like others have recommended (a waist strap helps keep it in the same spot on your waist). One without a flap and a zipper opening so you don't have to fight the flap. The best set up for a shotgun class I found was a dump pouch on the belt (weak side kidney), with a couple of two or four shell speedloaders on the belt (weak side front) which I'd keep replenishing from the pouch when I had a chance. That way, your shells are always reloaded from the same spot, and not flailing around on a bandoleer.